by Kristina Nelson

Created on: May 12, 2009

When making pizza healthier, four basic components need to be considered. Those four components are the crust, sauce, toppings, and cheese. Pizza, a favorite meal or snack among many, is easy to resort to when dinners are unplanned, when meetings require a quick meal, or for parties and celebrations. It's a convenient food to order in when you are hungry and tired. However, not every pizza is healthy to eat. Crusts come in so many varieties, different toppings, extra toppings, variety of meats and cheeses. Pizza can present a healthy meal when choosing different ingredients.

If you prefer to order pizza in or eat out, you can make simple choices for a healthier pizza. Instead of ordering pizza with a thicker or cheese filled crust, order a thin crust which will lower fat and calories. Choosing toppings that are lower in calories and higher in fiber, minerals and vitamins can boost the immune system and maintain a healthier meal. Self control, which is difficult to do with traditional pizza toppings, can reduce your calories and fat also. Limit how often pizza is eaten and limit the serving size.

Staying home and baking your own pizza gives you more control of what you are eating. The type of crust, the type of sauce, cheese, and toppings can be adjusted to create a delicious and new variety of pizza. Don't under estimate kids when trying new versions. Try ready made whole wheat flat breads, tortillas, and pita breads, and other whole wheat crust options. Consider chicken, fresh vegetables and cheese toppings such as Feta and reduced fat cheeses. Growing your own herb garden also makes it handy to have fresh green onion, parsley, and basil, oregano on hand.

Spinach and Cheese Tortilla Pizza

(http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/16/Spinach-Ch eese-Tortilla-Pizz82360.shtml)

2 large (10 inch) wheat tortillas (see tips)

2 Tbsp. nonfat plain yogurt (do not use vanilla flavored)

1 10-oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 large tomato or 2 small Roma tomatoes, chopped

cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese

cup thinly sliced green onions (see tips)

Preheat oven to 450F. Place the tortillas on a baking sheet, sprayed with a non-stick spray. Bake for three minutes, or until golden brown. Remove them from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350F. Spread yogurt on top of both tortillas, top with spinach, chopped tomato, and then cheese. Bake them for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle

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